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Dexter Pittman traded to Memphis

The Heat invested nearly three seasons in Dexter Pittman’s development.

If it pays off for Pittman, it will pay off for the Grizzlies.

Pittman was dealt before Thursday’s trading deadline, along with a second-round pick, in exchange for Memphis’s trade exception and a foreign center (Ricky Sanchez) who was drafted back in 2005 will likely never play in the United States.

So what was the point?

To create a roster spot for a veteran who is currently sitting on the sidelines, or someone who shakes free through a buyout — though there may not be as many options as expected, after the league’s limited activity at the trade deadline.

Pittman, currently in Sioux Falls on his fourth stint in the NBA Developmental League, was surprised by the development, but not disappointed.

“I loved my time with Miami, and all of the people there,” Pittman said, referring to players, coaches, staffers. “It was like a family. But I’m excited about getting the chance to play.”

Memphis has Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, Darrell Arthur and Ed Davis in its frontcourt rotation, but plays a more physical style that might better suit Pittman’s skill set. Plus, Memphis now has just 13 players, which means Pittman will likely be active, rather than sent back to the minors.

“I’ve always looked up to Zach and the way he plays,” said Pittman, who played with Arthur in AAU in Texas, and is friendly with the Grizzlies’ strength coach. “It should be pretty cool.”

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